Page "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)" Paragraph 18

The game is often cited as one of the most important titles in the industry's history.

Billboard magazine Earl Paige reported that the large number of unsold E. T.

games along with an increase in competition prompted retailers to demand official return programs from video game manufacturers.

The game is also considered to be one of the causes of the video game industry crisis of 1983.

By the end of 1982, Atari had begun to lose dominance as more competitors entered the market.

Poor critical reception and lack of a profitable marketing strategy made this game one of many cited decisions that led Atari to report a $ 536 million loss in 1983 and led to the company being divided and sold in 1984.

GameSpy's Classic Gaming called E. T.

Atari's biggest mistake, as well as the largest financial failure in the industry.

Reiley commented that the game's poor quality was responsible for ending the product life of the Atari 2600.

Occurring soon after Pac-Mans negative critical response on the Atari 2600, E. T. s poor reception was attributed by Kent to a negative impact on Atari's reputation and profitability.

Authors Nick Montfort and Ian Bogost echoed similar comments about Pac-Man and E. T. s combined effect on the company's reputation and the industry's reaction.

Buchanan also cited the game as a factor to Atari and the industry's crash.

He stated that the large amount of unsold merchandise was a financial burden to Atari, which pushed the company into debt.